Angels agree to terms with closer Fuentes

Dec 31, 2008 - 7:12 PM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim made a move to fill their void at closer Wednesday, agreeing to terms with free-agent lefthander Brian Fuentes on a two-year contract.

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but the deal includes a club option for the 2011 season. ESPN reported the deal is worth $17.5 million.

The Angels had a pressing need at closer following the departure of Francisco Rodriguez, who signed a three-year, $37 million deal with the New York Mets.

Rodriguez set the major league record with 62 saves in 2008.

Fuentess posted a 1-5 record with 30 saves and a 2.73 ERA as the Colorado Rockies' closer last season.

In 67 appearances, the 33-year-old lefthander struck out 82 batters and walked 22 in 62 2/3 innings. He allowed just three home runs while converting his last 17 save opportunities last season - the second-longest active streak in the majors in 2008

A three-time All-Star (2005-07), Fuentes owns a 17-27 record with 115 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 438 career appearances. He pitched the last seven seasons with Colorado after starting his career with one season in Seattle in 2001.

Fuentes finished as Colorado's all-time leader in strikeouts by a reliever (470) and ranks fourth on the career strikeout list.